The final phase of the vote on the controversial constitutional reform has begun in Russia. In the east of the Giant Empire, there was a lively turnout on the main day, the agency TASS announced today, citing the regional election commissions. With the new constitution, President Vladimir Putin can remain in power permanently in the event of re-election.
First results are expected after the polling stations in Kaliningrad close at 8:00 p.m. CEST. The largest country in the world has eleven time zones.
A total of 110.5 million voters are asked to decide on the changes that will allow Putin to remain in office with more powers over the next 16 years. According to the current constitution, he would have to withdraw in four years.
In order to minimize the risk of infection in polling stations, the referendum was extended over six days. People could also vote online. Election observers have already spoken of hundreds of violations.
